Loans and scholarships

Both in Switzerland and in other countries, a wide range of scholarships and loans is available to help students.

Scholarships
Scholarships are paid as a one-off sum, or as ongoing financial support and do not need to be repaid. Provided the requirements are met, as a Swiss citizen you have a legal right to cantonal scholarships. The cantonal scholarship offices are therefore always the first place to contact for Swiss citizens. Please find out about all relevant deadlines ahead of time, as no scholarships will be granted retroactively.

Loans
Student loans must be repaid after your education has been completed. Typically loans do not bear interest during your studies; interest accrues only after you have completed your degree. Conditions for repayment can vary greatly. We recommend taking out student loans no sooner than two years before your graduation, or merely as an interim solution for one or two semesters. Otherwise you run the risk of accumulating a large amount of debt by the time you graduate.

Attention: Swiss banks are not allowed to offer student loans (reason: Swiss credit law). Ask your friends and family about options for financing your studies. In some cases it may even be possible to receive a form of early inheritance.